KBA Board Gives Bar President Barbara Bonar 15 days to respond to a Ethics report and opinion prepared by Robert F. Houlihan, Jr..

Nov. 25, 2008

Houlihan was asked by the KBA board to investigate whether Bonar abused her power in removing four members from the associations ethics committee before their terms expired and whether she was candid with the board about the reasons for the removals according to board members who were cited as sources by the Louisville Courier-Journal.

There is no procedure for removal of a sitting KBA president, but the Board is of the opinion that if asked to step down, Bonar would comply. If she steps down Bruce Davis, the KBA vice-president would serve the balance of her one year term.

Thomas Clay of Louisville represents Bonar. He did not respond to press enquiries. The investigation by the KBA board is separate from another investigation regarding Bonar which arose out of findings by Senior Statute Circuit Judge McGinnis regarding a fee dispute with Cincinnati Attorney Stan Chesley